South Africa Coach Stuart Baxter Names Squad for Crucial AFCON Qualifier Against Libya
As the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approach their decisive stages, South Africa coach Stuart Baxter has announced his squad for the upcoming match against Libya on March 24. This fixture is pivotal for the Bafana Bafana, who find themselves under pressure in their qualifying group and must secure a victory to keep their tournament hopes alive.
The list sees the return of Rivaldo Coetzee, the Mamelodi Sundowns defender, after a lengthy absence from the national team. His inclusion is expected to strengthen the backline and provide both experience and stability as South Africa looks to reverse its fortunes in Group E.
Goalkeeping options include Darren Keet of Bidvest Wits, Ronwen Williams from SuperSport United, and Bruce Bvuma of Kaizer Chiefs. All three have been performing consistently in the domestic league, offering Baxter reliable choices between the posts.
In defense, the squad features a mix of youth and experience. Alongside Coetzee, defenders include Daniel Cardoso (Kaizer Chiefs), Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Sfiso Hlanti (Bidvest Wits), Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates), Thamsanqa Mkhize (Cape Town City), and Aubrey Modiba (SuperSport United). Baxter will be counting on this group to maintain a disciplined defensive structure while providing the platform for counterattacks.
The midfield has several seasoned campaigners capable of controlling the game and linking play effectively. Bongani Zungu (Amiens, France) and Dean Furman (SuperSport United) provide defensive cover, while Thulani Serero (Vitesse FC, Netherlands), Kamohelo Mokotjo (Brentford, England), Hlompho Kekana, Themba Zwane, Tiyani Mabunda (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Thembinkosi Lorch (Orlando Pirates) offer creativity and attacking thrust from the middle of the park.
Up front, South Africa boasts a potent strike force. Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg, France), Percy Tau (Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium), Lars Veldwijk (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), Lebogang Maboe (Mamelodi Sundowns), and Keagan Dolly (Montpellier, France) are all capable of producing moments of magic to break down the Libyan defense. Their experience in European leagues is expected to be invaluable in high-pressure situations.
Baxter emphasized the importance of team cohesion and mental focus ahead of the match. “We know the stakes are high. Every player in this squad has the quality and determination to get the result we need. Libya will be tough opponents, but we must secure victory if we want to keep our AFCON dream alive,” he remarked.
With the return of Coetzee and the inclusion of several in-form domestic and international players, South Africa enters this crucial qualifier with renewed optimism. A positive result in Pretoria could be the turning point in their campaign and a major step toward qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
